Politics
Nigeria’ll Remain Indivisible, Says Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed that his administration is committed to ensuring that Nigeria remains one indivisible country no matter the challenges facing his government.
President Buhari made this known while addressing stakeholders of the South-East zone during the 6th convocation ceremony of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, FUNAI, that took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe convocation arena, Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State recently.
He stated that: “This underscores our emphasis on the digital economy which led to the launch of e-Naria and similar processes. I enjoin Nigerians, especially the academia to remain focused on the cardinal objective of the university on Teaching and research.
“I assure you that the federal government will support research efforts geared towards addressing local and national challenges. My government is building bridges of partnership and friendship with foreign governments in all areas with a view to accelerating our national development.”
President Buhari, who was represented by Prof. Chinedu Nwajuba, a member of the NUC and former Vice-Chancellor of FUNAI, added that his administration was winning the war against terrorism and banditry among other criminal activities in the country.
“In a similar manner, I urge Nigerian universities to take advantage of the goodwill our nation has with the foreign governments and investors due to the sincerity of this government to partner with foreign universities in strategic areas.
“Nigeria is the only country we have, in spite of our ethnic, religious and cultural differences. My government will continue to do the needful to ensure that the country remains one. We are also winning the war against terrorism, banditry and all other forms of criminal activities.
“Our government will continue to ensure that citizens remain safe and their livelihood secured in every part of the country.
“Students should be committed to their studies and not be distracted, while lectures should not only teach but guide the students properly,” he stressed.
Earlier in a remark, the Chancellor of the university, His Royal Highness, Oba Michael Aremu Adedotun, said the economic development of the nation depended on the quality and quantity of functional knowledge and sellable skills at the disposal of the citizens as well as the quality of research from the universities.
He noted that the quality of teaching and research of lectures in the university should be in line with global best practices at all times.
Also, the Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Nimi Briggs, commended the management of the university for their decision to stick to enduring values and timeless principles of responsibility, which according to him, has contributed to the great success of the university.
However, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, said there was much to be done, especially as regards faculty buildings, office blocks, lecture halls/theatre, students’ hostel accommodation and staff quarters.
He called on the federal government to assist the university to upgrade in all ramifications.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
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